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Where are the Hurricane relief funds? NDP ducks answer

Scene in the vicinity of the People's Shoes store following the passage of hurricane Irma. Photo:VINO/File
The aftermath of Hurricane Irma on September 6, 2017. Photo: VINO/File
The aftermath of Hurricane Irma on September 6, 2017. Photo: VINO/File
Following the hurricanes of September 2017, many businesses and homes throughout the territory were destroyed. Photo: VINO/File
Following the hurricanes of September 2017, many businesses and homes throughout the territory were destroyed. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI: The mistrust and lack of accountability and transparency of the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP) Government continues.

The spotlight is now on the financial donations pledged by a number of countries following the devastation of Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, which destroyed the British Overseas Territory of the Virgin Islands.

For months, some on social media including radio personality Paul A. Peart aka ‘Gadiethz’ has been asking where is the money pledged in 2017 and 2018, however, the ruling NDP has dodged the questions.

Where is the money?

There has been over $16M plus worth of Hurricane donations some in goods and some in cash. Reportedly, many of the goods were left to spoil and others distributed to elected members for their districts, while some were given to the Department of Disaster Management for central distribution.

However, with a quantity of the goods left to waste, residents are claiming that they did not receive any goods or food after the Hurricanes.

At a press conference last month, the matter was raised with Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL) who promised to get back to the press. Our newsroom then followed up with the Administration’s Chief Information Officer Ms Desiree Smith who said a press conference was planned for October 16, 2018, to address the questions, however, to date no press conference was held.

Still waiting

It is unclear when the NDP Government will account for the donations and say whether cash was turned over to NDP officials and how the people can access it.

Some social and political commentators have already warned the international community not to give any more donations directly to the Dr Smith led regime, but instead to Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO’s).

10 Responses to “ Where are the Hurricane relief funds? NDP ducks answer ”

  • Lord (27/10/2018, 13:30) Like (32) Dislike (2) Reply
    We have really suffered under the NDP.
  • Jaigon (27/10/2018, 14:28) Like (20) Dislike (2) Reply
    Wow, wow and wow. Thing to tell the King. Did the Dr. Smith administration (NDP) received monetary donations in secret? Waiting for the truthful answer to that question. It is alleged that generators that were sent for distribution were sold at a local supermarket. Hmmm.
  • street reporter. (27/10/2018, 15:06) Like (22) Dislike (1) Reply
    Good question. Where is the Hurricane relief funds? Just yesterday I was over by the Admin building and some what was asking , What happened to Insurance money to fix the admin building, they ain't see no work going on.. Then another person say maybe they waiting on relief money to fix it.. Then another person say that will be two set of money for the one job.. People noticing everything!
  • BVI STRONG (27/10/2018, 18:57) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
    Cant trust the ndp
  • 4change (28/10/2018, 07:18) Like (21) Dislike (6) Reply
    Let the UK take over. Can't be any worse than it is now!
    • NezRez (28/10/2018, 20:24) Like (5) Dislike (7) Reply
      @4change. Yes we all want a change, but NOT the one you speak of. If the U.K. take over, it will be now you will know slavery first hand. What is wrong with you? Do you want history to repeat itself? READ your history...PLEASE!
    • l (29/10/2018, 09:34) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Yes it can.
  • NezRez (28/10/2018, 09:37) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
    They keep telling me my application is being processed. How much processing can you do. All I need is a roof and I can do the inside one month at a time. These thieves should be held accountable and punished. They are living high on the hog while we are still re-living the destruction. The people who donated the Grant money should investigate them and bring charges against them. We are senior citizens who pay our taxes all these years, and still sucking wind and we are mad as hell.
  • shame on bvi people (28/10/2018, 23:07) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    when you all was building these huge houses where was the gov now GOD expose us its the gov problem what is rong with us
    • Envy (31/10/2018, 22:36) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      You are too envious of those who possess more than you do. People buy what they can afford. Why do you care how big one's house is?


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